On Wednesday afternoon a group of the Year 10 Secondary Student Leadership Team, Mr Heath, Mr Frank and I had the privilege to visit the Futian Mangrove Ecological Park. This relatively new park is situated Xinzhou Road in the Futian District. The park is managed by an NGO whose purpose is to maintain and preserve the mangrove areas of Shenzhen.

Our students were given a lecture about the park and the importance of preserving and regenerating the wetlands for not only humans, but for protection of the coastline, birds, fish and animals that live in these areas.We then went to help with the cleanup of the park. One of the problems with any regeneration is introduced plant species. These are plants that are not native to the area. They tend to stop native plants from taking hold and thus become pests. Staff and students alike cleared an area of land and as the photo shows were very proud of their work.We also were able to walk along the Poetry Path. This area is a scenic walkway filled with trees and plants. Green Oasis School is very proud to say that they contributed to this beautiful area with the sponsoring of ten trees. Each tree has a plaque stating the sponsor’s name.

The students were very keen to do more to help with helping to create and protect this scenic, natural area for all to enjoy. They learnt much about the importance of protecting the wetlands. We are hoping as a school to bring more students to learn, enjoy and participate in worthwhile activities and by doing so preserve and protect this unique area that is right here in Futian.

We would like to encourage all our families to visit the Futian Mangrove Nature Reserve, however leave your beloved dogs at home as they are not permitted to join in the fun of bird watching and turtle spotting!